By Rita La Rosa Loud, B.S.
A conversation with Ann Harrington, age 65:
Did you always struggle with your weight?
I’ve suffered from arthritis in both hips for a decade and was uncomfortable with the extra weight on my body. My doctor persuaded me to lose weight and get in shape in preparation for hip surgery and recovery process. I joined an adult fitness program, changed my diet, lost 40 pounds, kept up my exercise, and reduced an additional 20 pounds.
What motivated you to integrate fitness and better nutrition into your life?
My incentive came from aging and poor fitness. Having largely participated in low-impact aerobics, I never considered lifting weights. After reading articles about resistance exercise and hearing from seniors who benefited from strength training and eating better, I was convinced.
Besides your career, what other responsibilities do you have?
As a full-time Realtor and business owner, my typical work week is 60 hours. I organize a biannual clothing drive, participate in my community high school theater alumni association, and am a mother of three adult children, grandmother to one, plus come from a large Dorchester family.
What advice would you give others who say they have no time to exercise?
Start with baby steps and incorporate into your golden years the three W’s – water, walking, and weight training. Make time to exercise, especially muscle-building exercise. Before I started resistance training, I focused on cardio but saw little weight loss. It was strength training twice a week that made all the difference. Consequently, I can comfortably walk miles carrying my 27-pound granddaughter and effortlessly take her up and down stairs.
Are you pleased with the outcome of the hip replacement surgeries?
Due to following my surgeon’s exercise and nutrition advice, I was overjoyed when he found me healthy and fit enough to undergo not one, but two successful surgeries in the same year.
What was the recovery like both times?
My surgeon explained hip replacement recovery typically takes four weeks, but because I’m physically fit, I recovered in just two weeks for each surgery.
How quickly did you return to exercising?
After three weeks of physical therapy, daily home exercises, guidance from trainers, and encouragement from class members, I resumed strength training at my fitness facility within six weeks.
How has your life changed after the surgeries?
My posture and gait greatly improved. I can walk farther and stand longer without hip pain and am now able to get in and out of chairs easily, allowing me to enjoy kayaking this summer.
Question: What are your health and fitness goals?
My lifelong goal is to remain fit through consistent exercise and a healthy diet. Resistance training improved my balance and strength, so despite past hip pain and joint instability, I can now walk on sand and swim in the ocean instead of just a pool.
The Wayne Westcott, Ph.D. Center for Health and Fitness at Quincy College helps you build muscle, strengthen muscles and bones in our adult fitness program (resistance exercise, flexibility, functional training). We are located at Presidents Place, 1250 Hancock St., Quincy. Call 617-405-5978 to tour, inquire about complimentary training and obtain registration procedures. Street parking is available; a parking garage is next to the building.
About the Author: Rita La Rosa Loud holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology with additional education in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. She is NASM Certified and has been actively involved in the fitness industry for more than 35 years. She is also an author and writes fitness-related articles for various publications. Currently, she is a fitness researcher and directs the Wayne Westcott, Ph.D. Center for Health and Fitness at Quincy College. She can be reached at 617-405-5978 or by email at Rita.larosaloud@quincycollege.edu.
